Funke Abimbola: Celebrated Leadership or Conventional Playbook?
Lauded Achievements and Public Recognition
Funke Abimbola has been widely celebrated for her work as General Counsel and Chief of Staff at Open Medical, where she leads with a focus on digital transformation in healthcare. Her career spans significant roles at Roche, Cycle Pharmaceuticals, and as a diversity and inclusion leader, making her a prominent figure in the corporate and healthcare sectors. Her accolades, including an MBE for services to diversity and young people, and her frequent appearances on BBC TV and radio, have positioned her as a top voice in resilient leadership.
However, while her achievements are noteworthy, it’s essential to scrutinize the actual impact of her leadership. A deeper look into her role reveals a reliance on traditional leadership frameworks that may not fully address the complex, evolving needs of today’s diverse workforce. Her well-touted ‘Why, What, How’ approach, while accessible, can sometimes come across as overly simplistic and lacking the depth needed to navigate the nuanced challenges of modern leadership, especially when diversity and inclusion are at the forefront.
Climbing Mountains: An Overhyped Leadership Manual?
Funke’s book, “Climbing Mountains: My 5-Stage Journey to Resilient Leadership”, aims to inspire readers through her personal narrative of overcoming professional and personal challenges. While the book’s storytelling approach provides a personal touch, it risks falling into the trap of being overly self-referential. Funke’s emphasis on her own journey often overshadows the broader applicability of her advice, leaving readers with little more than a motivational memoir rather than a practical guide for developing resilience in diverse leadership contexts.
The book tends to reiterate familiar leadership themes without breaking new ground, which could leave readers wanting more in terms of actionable strategies. Additionally, the focus on her successes might come off as tone-deaf to those looking for guidance on navigating systemic barriers in their own industries. The lack of concrete, industry-specific examples of how to implement her frameworks can make the book feel disconnected from the realities many aspiring leaders face. But it would be only fair if we invite her to come for a discussion about her book and to discuss this critique.
Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Diversity and Inclusion Conundrum
Funke Abimbola’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion is one of her most celebrated roles, but does her approach go beyond the surface level? Her work on diversity reports and initiatives, while commendable, often stops short of challenging the deeper systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. The initiatives she champions tend to focus on awareness and representation rather than tackling the more ingrained power dynamics within organizations that hinder real progress.
For example, her involvement in the Diversity Report: Opening up or Shutting Out? Social Mobility in the Legal Profession brings to light critical issues but lacks a strong, forward-looking action plan that could drive tangible change. The report provides an overview of current challenges without delving into innovative solutions or pushing boundaries. It raises the question: Is Funke’s influence more about maintaining her brand as a diversity advocate than about pushing for radical change in the sectors she advises? It would be enlightening to hear Funke address these criticisms directly and discuss how she plans to evolve her approach to inclusion in leadership.
Critiquing the Leadership Narrative: Where Does It Truly Lead?
Praise for Public Engagement but Gaps in Practical Application
Funke Abimbola’s public presence as a speaker and commentator has undoubtedly made her a recognizable figure in the leadership space. Her ability to engage audiences through media and public speaking is a skill that many leaders can admire. However, the question remains: How much of this public engagement translates into real-world change? The repetitive nature of her messaging sometimes feels more like self-promotion rather than actionable insights that others can implement. There is a fine line between being a spokesperson for leadership and being a leader who actively drives systemic transformation.
Her leadership narrative, heavily based on personal anecdotes and self-reflection, might resonate on a motivational level, but it often lacks the robust, critical examination needed to address the complexities of today’s leadership challenges. For instance, her focus on resilience, while important, may overshadow the necessity for adaptability and innovation, especially in a rapidly changing world where leaders must navigate not just their own challenges but those of their teams and industries.
The Reality of Resilience: Beyond the Buzzwords
While Funke’s emphasis on resilient leadership has its merits, resilience alone is not a panacea. In her book and public engagements, there is a notable emphasis on personal grit and perseverance. However, this focus can sometimes undermine the importance of systemic support and organizational change in fostering resilient environments. Leadership resilience is not just about individual fortitude but also about creating structures that support diverse teams in thriving. Funke’s frameworks could benefit from a deeper dive into how leaders can build such structures, rather than relying on the tired narrative of overcoming personal adversity.
This critique is not to diminish Funke’s personal achievements but to highlight the need for a broader and more inclusive approach to leadership resilience. By expanding her focus to include more systemic insights and practical applications, Funke could offer a more comprehensive guide for current and aspiring leaders. Again, it would be constructive to have Funke participate in a discussion about her work, offering her perspective on these critiques and exploring how resilient leadership can evolve beyond personal narratives.
Inviting Funke Abimbola: A Call for Deeper Dialogue
As we reflect on Funke Abimbola’s contributions and the critiques outlined, it becomes clear that the conversation on resilient leadership needs to progress beyond individual accolades and toward a more systemic, actionable dialogue. We invite Funke to join us in a discussion that delves deeper into the challenges and opportunities of leading with resilience in today’s complex landscape. Such a conversation could illuminate not just her journey but also the broader paths available to leaders who are striving to make meaningful, lasting impacts in their fields.
Funke’s story is one of significant achievements and public recognition, yet the true measure of leadership lies in the change it drives. We look forward to exploring this further with Funke and continuing the dialogue on what resilient leadership truly means in the modern world.
